SCHOOLS in the district could be forced to introduce mixed age classes due to teacher shortages.

Tim Elbourne, director of education for the Diocese of Chelmsford, said schools in the area had difficulty recruiting and retaining teachers.

Speaking at a meeting, of Maldon District Council’s overview and scrutiny committee, he said: Recruitment and retention of teachers in the area is very difficult. As a result of teacher shortages one of our schools could introduce mixed age classes.

“One the strongest members of staff is saying that she will leave and get a job elsewhere where they do not have to do that, if that is the case.

“I do not think Maldon’s issues are different to other areas, other than the geographical difficulties being on a peninsular provides.”

A spokesman for Chelmsford Diocese, the Church of England in Essex and East London, said: “Church schools trust the diocese as a sounding board for thinking aloud.

“Only they can decide things like mixed-age teaching, and we cannot second-guess their intended actions.

“So when we speak in public, we cannot over-share what comes up in this relationship but we do draw out the principles of a conversation in order to be open and transparent as in this case.”

Mr Elbourne spoke about the financial pressures many of the schools are under.

He also talked about plans that could see space at Southminster Primary School dedicated to pupils from other schools due to the low enrolment.

Mr Elbourne added: “There are eight Church of England schools in the district, some doing well, some doing less well.

“There are particular pressures upon small schools, the most significant of which being financial.

“What is being discussed at Southminster is a change to the way the space is used.

“Rather than having children dispersed across a large area, the intention is they be gathered in a small number of classrooms which then releases other classrooms to be utilised by the community.

“I think it is very unlikely that any decision will be taken that could not be undone if a number of pupils enrol in the future.

“There is no question about the future of Southminster and we expect the enrolment to go up rather than down.”

Teacher shortages have also been raised by Essex County Council.